2006 Acura MDX Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Revised interior trim for the top-line model heads the short list of 2006 MDX changes. This SUV shares its underskin design with the Pilot from Acura's parent company, Honda. But MDX seats seven passengers instead of eight and has slightly less cargo room. It shares Pilot's V6 engine but has slightly more horsepower at 253. MDX comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. ABS and antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows and include rollover deployment. Base and top-line Touring versions are offered. Both come with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and sunroof. Touring includes a hands-free cell phone link and is available with DVD entertainment. It's also available with a navigation system that includes OnStar assistance and a rearview camera.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.

Our Best Buys include Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.

New or significantly redesigned models include Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Saab 9-7X.

News

A redesigned 2007 MDX is due this fall looking much like the concept preview at the recent New York Auto Show. It sits lower and wider than the outgoing model and looks bolder, with bulged wheel openings, a big vee'd grille, and a swoopy Infiniti FX-like roofline. Twenty-inch wheels will be available and perhaps standard. The likely engine is a 260-hp version of Acura's 3.5-liter V6, perhaps with fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation as on parent Honda's Odyssey minivan and Pilot SUV. A 5-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive complete the running gear. By 2009, MDX may offer a "clean diesel" V6 that Honda is developing to meet new U.S. emissions standards. Acura should be releasing full details soon, so keep checking back with us for more on the new MDX.

2006 Acura MDX Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Climate controls

	Fuel economy

	Navigation-system controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6.2

Test Touring did 7.1 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission makes the most of available torque with quick, seamless shifts.

Fuel Economy

Base	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	3	3.4

Test Touring averaged 14.4-17.4 mpg in various mixes of city/highway driving. That's on par with other 6-cyl luxury SUVs. Premium-grade fuel is required.

Ride Quality

Base	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5.5

Firm, but not jolting, even over large bumps. Lexus RX is better at ironing out lumpy freeways.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.7

Not as athletic as BMW X5, but more nimble than RX 330. Sporty at reasonable cornering speeds. Moderate body lean, but still less steady than a car in sudden swerves. In slick corners, antiskid system modulates brakes and throttle for added measure of security. Brakes provide short stops with little nosedive, but some testers think they are a bit overboosted.

Quietness

Base	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.6

Modest tire hum and highway wind rush for an SUV. Engine smooth, audibly pleasant.

Controls

Base	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6	6.6

Models without navigation system locate climate controls a far reach from the driver, and their indicator lights can wash out in daylight. Acura's navigation system friendlier than most, but can still be distracting to operate. Gauges, other controls clear, convenient. Upscale, contemporary cabin design. Materials quality a notch below that of BMW, Lexus, Mercedes.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	7.5

All but the very tall have good head and leg room. Seats comfortable and supportive. Visibility good, but tall stance can "hide" small nearby objects, so rearview system is helpful.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.3

Ample 2nd-row knee and head room. Just enough width for three adults. Third-row bench seat is kid-size, but useful. Both rear seats have reclining backrests; split 2nd-row seat also slides fore/aft.

Cargo Room

Base	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	7.9

Not much with a full passenger load, but numerous seat-folding options compensate. The 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold easily, quickly to create a flat load floor. Load deck a bit high.

Value within Class

Base	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
10	9	5.8

Acura's SUV is a highly desirable blend of competence and convenience. Its ride can be truck-lumpy at times and some rivals have newer designs, but MDX shines for overall refinement, generous standard equipment, and keen pricing. That's why it's a Best Buy--and seldom discounted.

Total Score

Base	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
68	66	61.5

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		52
Average Score		61
High Score		73

2006 Acura MDX Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 07/11/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door wagon	$37,125	$33,459	$615

Touring 4-door wagon	$39,950	$36,002	$615

Touring w/DVD player 4-door wagon	$41,450	$37,352	$615

Touring w/navigation 4-door wagon	$42,700	$38,477	$615

Touring w/navigation and DVD player 4-door wagon	$44,200	$39,827	$615

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover sensor, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Front and rear air conditioning w/front and rear automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 7-passenger seating, heated front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, 2nd- and 3rd-row stowable split folding bench seats, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/CD player, satellite radio (requires monthly fee), digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, trip computer, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

235/65R17 tires, alloy wheels.

Touring adds to Base:

Comfort and Convenience Features

8-way power passenger seat, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), passenger-side tilt-down back-up-aid mirror, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, wireless cell phone link, rain-sensing wipers.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rack.

Touring w/navigation adds to Touring:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Navigation system w/voice recognition, rearview camera, OnStar assistance system w/one year service.

Optional Equipment

No factory options.

2006 Acura MDX Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Acura MDX 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	106.3

Overall Length, in.	188.7

Overall Width, in.	77.0

Overall Height, in.	68.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	4471

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	81.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.4

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	38.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.5

Rear Head Room, in.	39.0

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /212

Horsepower @ rpm.	253 @ 5800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	250 @ 3500

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	17/23

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Acura MDX 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	6/70,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Canada

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive

< 2006 Acura MDX Photos

Also in the 2006 Acura MDX Review:

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Acura MDX Road Test

Acura MDX Prices & Equipment

Acura MDX Specs & Safety

Acura MDX Photos

Acura MDX Full Review

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